Asia Cup: Samson’s Half-Century and Arshdeep’s 100th Wicket Help India Somehow Secure 21-Run Win Against Oman

A gritty half-century by Sanju Samson (56 off 45) and historic milestone for Arshdeep Singh, who became the first Indian male cricketer to take 100 T20I wickets, marked India's 21-run victory over Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday evening, keeping their record intact in the Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025.

India replied with 188/8 — their third-best T20I score against an Associate team — but Oman battled hard. Captain Jatinder Singh (32 off 33) and Aamir Kaleem gave a good beginning, adding 44 runs in the Power-play before Kuldeep Yadav snapped the stand in the ninth over.

Kaleem then added 93 for the fifth wicket with Hammad Mirza, vexing India's bowlers. Kaleem scored his fifty off 38 balls but was caught out for 64 off 46 in the 18th over trying to push the pace. Mirza also counter-attacked, scoring his half-century in 30 balls before being caught by Hardik Pandya in the second last over. A late rush of runs by Jiten Ramanandi in the last over could not alter the course as Oman closed on 167/4, handing India a 21-run victory.

India's bowlers toiled on a batting-friendly track. Hardik Pandya got 1-26, Kuldeep Yadav got 1-23 in three overs, and Harshit Rana made a mark with 1-25. The turning point was in the last over when Arshdeep Singh, who was given the responsibility of closing the game, not only closed the game but also took his 100th T20I wicket, becoming the highest wicket-taker in India's all-time T20I wicket-takers' list.

Earlier, Samson anchored India’s innings following an explosive start by Abhishek Sharma, who scored 38 off just 15 balls in the Power-play. India lost vice-captain Shubman Gill early, bowled by Faisal Shah for 5, but Abhishek’s aggressive batting kept the innings on track until Ramanandi claimed him. A surprise promotion for Hardik Pandya ended quickly as he was run out for 1 after a straight drive from Samson deflected off Ramanandi’s fingertips.

Samson was backed by Axar Patel, who hit a quick 26 off 13 deliveries, the duo putting on 45 runs from 23 deliveries. Wickets started slipping after that in quick succession, with Shivam Dube getting out on 5, with India at 130/5 in the 14th over. Tilak Varma, relegated to number seven, chipped in with a handy 29 off 18 as Samson calmed the innings.

In spite of the sweltering heat, Samson scored his half-century off 41 balls — the third slowest by an Indian in Men's Asia Cup T20 history — before being sent back for 56. Harshit Rana contributed a late flourish with a huge six as India finished at 188/8.

For Oman, their spin trio stood strong. Faisal Shah (2-23), Jiten Ramanandi (2-33), and Aamir Kaleem (2-31) combined to take six wickets, keeping India below 200. Oman's determined chase was fruitless, but India celebrated the victory as well as Arshdeep Singh's record mark.